Several candidates vying to succeed late DA Mike Anderson

Mike Anderson's term began with his call to restore public trust the in the Harris County District Attorney's office. It ended less than nine months later with his unexpected death from cancer.

Work continues in the office. Belinda Hill, his first assistant, is now acting DA, as the names of possible successors have been growing. Among those mentioned by the local Republican Party:

Judge Marc Carter

Congressman and Former Judge Ted Poe

Prosecutor Rachel Palmer

Jim Leitner, first assistant to former DA Pat Lykos

Belinda Hill, Mike Anderson's 1st assistant and former judge

Devon Anderson, the late DA's widow who's been a prosecutor, judge, attorney and now the county GOP chairman's choice to succeed her husband.

"I'm looking for someone qualified, who shares Mike's vision and can run for election. She meets all those criteria," Harris County GOP Chair Jared Woodfill said.

Woodfill recommended Anderson by letter to the governor. The Houston Police Offier's Union wrote a letter of support for Belinda Hill. When the union's president, Ray Hunt, learned of Devon Anderson's interest, he told her, "In he event that Judge Hill isn't appointed, we will fully support you as well. And she said, 'Thank you very much,'" Hunt said.